Trainer Rex Lipp is hopeful of claiming his second Group 1 of his career with Tinto in the Queensland Oaks at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
Lipp’s only success at the highest level was ten years ago with his former top filly Star Shiraz who won the Sires” Produce Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm.
Tinto put the writing on the wall she was ready for the Queensland Oaks with an eye-catching second to Arabian Gold in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben on May 17.
Lipp is not concerned with Tinto stepping out in distance to 2400 metres for the first time.
“The same applies to all of the others who have never been tried over the distance,” Lipp said.
“The way she got to the line in The Roses suggests she’ll get it.”
Lipp believes Tinto, a daughter of Red Dazzler, had some excuses against Arabian Gold, who has recovered from a midweek scare when she threw a shoe in trackwork at the Gold Coast.
“She got a bump on the home turn in The Roses and I didn’t think she was going to run a place at one stage,” he said.
“Her family isn’t real strong staying wise but she’ll race well.”
Tinto is raced by Annabelle Raff and Granin McAlpine, wife of Eureka Stud boss, Scott McAlpine.
Eureka has been having a great run of late with Spirit Of Boom claiming his second Group 1 in last week’s Doomben 10,000 (1350m).
Eureka also has a history of producing Classic winners including 2006 Queensland Derby victor Ice Chariot and 1982 Queensland Oaks heroine Mother Of Pearl as well as 1986 AJC Oaks winner Just Now.
Tinto was originally passed in at the Magic Millions yearling sales before Mrs Raff was offered a share to race the filly when Magic Millions offered bonus prizemoney to horses owned by female connections.
Lipp raced Tinto sparingly early in her career early and is now reaping the rewards after deciding to bypass the Magic Millions Classic with her last year.
“She wasn’t mature enough early in her campaign so the owners took my advice and spelled her,” Lipp said.
In latest markets, Tinto is second favourite at $7.00 behind $2.50 favourite Arabian Gold.
– Racing Queensland
